Loan Programs

Loan Programs Advantages Disadvantages
Fixed Rate Mortgages
30 year fixed
20 year fixed
15 year fixed
10 year fixed
  • Monthly payments are fixed over the life of the loan
  • Interest rate does not change
  • Protected if rates go up
  • Can refinance if rates go down
  • Higher interest rate than adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)
  • Higher mortgage payments
  • Rate does not drop if interest rates improve
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
10 year ARM
7 year ARM
5 year ARM
3 year ARM
1 year ARM
6 month ARM
1 month ARM
  • Lower initial monthly payment
  • Lower payment over a shorter period of time
  • Rates and payments may go down if rates improve
  • May qualify for higher loan amounts
  • Risk of higher payment if rate adjusts
  • Payments may change over time
  • Potential for high payments if rates go up
Balloon Mortgages
7 year
5 year
  • Lower initial monthly payment
  • Lower payment over a shorter period of time
  • Many balloon mortgages offer the option to convert to a new loan after the initial term.
  • Risk of rates being higher at the end of the initial fixed period
First Time Buyer Programs
  • Lower down payment
  • Easier to qualify
  • Sometimes you may get lower rates
  • Sometimes you may get lower mortgage insurance
  • May be subject to income and property value limitations
  • Some programs which have government subsidies may have a recapture tax if you sell the house too early.
Stated Income Programs
  • Don’t need to verify income
  • Faster approval
  • Rates may be higher
  • May need a higher down payment
No point, No fee Programs
  • No closing costs
  • Less money required to close
  • Higher rates
  • Higher payments
Imperfect Credit Programs
  • Potential for reestablishing credit if you pay your mortgage on time.
  • When used for debt consolidation, you may be able to reduce your monthly debt payment
  • Higher rates
  • Terms may not be as favorable
  • Loans may have prepayment penalties
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
  • You only borrow what you need
  • Pay interest only on what you borrow
  • Flexible access to funds
  • Interest may be tax deductible
  • Rates can change.
  • Payments can change as rate change
Home Equity Fixed Loan
  • Fixed interest rate and payments
  • Interest may be tax deductible
  • Higher interest rates than on 1st mortgages